Disclaimer: own nothing. The lines in brackets which follow are from 'I'm
With You' by Avril Lavigne which are used without permission. I just
thought they were appropriate, that's all.
(Coz nothing's going right....and everything's a mess)
I hit the mat with a THWACK loud enough for all the crew in the arena up in the rafters fitting the lighting rig to hear. Tazz looks down at me and grins. He doesn't offer me a hand up of course but just grins. He thinks its funny he can throw me around like a rag doll with his endless supply of suplexes well I don't think its funny when Sean discovers more unsightly bruises in new places each week. I know its part of the game but sometimes, I'd rather it wasn't
"Get up Dawn, we ain't done yet" Tazz instructs
"You mean there's more?" I groan, crawling to my feet awkwardly
"Oh yeah, there's plenty more"
So he gets me hitting clotheslines, DDTs and every other move he can think of on him. He doesn't complain once. Then he gets me stringing them together in combinations so that they flow easily. Its tough work but I enjoy it since its not me falling to the mat continually this time. We've been working out for over two hours when he finally calls a halt and throws me a water bottle. I thank him and drink down as much as much as I can.
He watches me as he towels the sweat off his face. I know he's building up to saying something so I maintain the silence and let him choose when he's ready. Then it comes
"You happy with Sean?"
"More than I have been in a long time" I answer, looking him straight in the eyes
He nods, throwing his towel aside so that it catches on the ropes and dangles there patiently. He never takes his eyes off me as he thinks and then speaks
"I thought so, the way you two go at it you'd think you were bout to die or somethin'" he cracks
"Keeps us both satisfied"
"You talk to Lance bout it?"
I shrug, casually though I know pain crosses my face at Lance's name. Tazz can tell I'm feeling guilty about him. We haven't spoken since last week.
"Not much, he knows Sean from WCW; I don't think he approves of the relationship"
"Ain't no surprise since he's the one in love with ya" Tazz replies abruptly
I pause. Lance has never said anything although different people in the network have been trying to convince me of this for years. I've never believed them really
"If he does, then why doesn't he say something?" I say at last
"Beats me, he's scared or something, he's loved ya for a damn long time and we've been telling him ya love him too for years, he just likes ya friendship I guess and don't wanna ruin that"
"Then I guess we're at a dead end" I say, smiling sadly "because I'm with Sean now"
I throw Tazz back the water bottle. His expression is unreadable. Somewhere between angry, annoyed and sympathetic.
"Now if training's over, I'm going to go and get ready for my match"
I leave the ring without another word. Tazz doesn't call to me. He knows he's said enough to make me think for the next few days. He knows I don't want to hear it. He knows I'm happy with Sean. He's seen how happy I am with Sean, I think everyone backstage has. Torrie sure glowers at me when she catches me and Sean in a cinch unexpectedly around a corner. Last time she did, she barrelled through us with an 'excuse me' and carried on walking without a look back. Sean had smiled and said she had some severe issues she needed to sort out. He's right and tonight, I aim to help her out with a few of them.
I went to see Stephanie earlier today. She's having some problems of her own with her dad trying to unmask Mr America and prove it's Hulk Hogan. So when I asked for a match, she didn't even argue and distractedly agreed as she spoke on the phone to someone else. That means I get to take on Torrie with no stipulations. Just one on one and the chance to beat the hell out of each other.
I head to catering and pick out some food. The place is basically empty since the show'll start soon and everyone is frantically getting ready for their match. I like it when it's like this; it means I get more time to think. I spend about half an hour eating before leaving the room and heading down the corridor.
I enter the locker room and find Sable there. It's no surprise really. We go shopping together once a week and love each other's company as well as knowing it annoys Torrie no end that we're friends. It's been real interesting to get to know a legend in the diva ranks such as herself. She has some great stories to tell and I've even got to speak to Marvellous Marc Mero himself on her cell phone. He seems like a very cool guy and didn't mind talking to me while Sable tried something on. They've been married a long time now and still adore each other despite there being several sticky patches along the way when Marc got jealous of her career rising and his going down. They've fought each other inside the ring and Marc even made her wear a potato sack to repress her once. But Sable being Sable just pulled it off to reveal one amazing bikini. There was hardly any of it there at all. Yeah they're a hell of a couple.
She turns at the sounds of my entering and smiles. She's trying to lace up her outfit. It's laced all the way up the front from her neck to her after her belly button before flowing into tight pants laced up the front of the legs from the hips to the knees where it just regresses into nothing. She looks as usual amazing and her age seems to have rapidly decreased. I wish I knew how she did that
"Dawn honey could help lace up my legs?" she asks "if I bend down then I'm sure all my front laces will break"
"Sure"
I bend down and begin lacing quickly. Soon all the lacing's done and she's tightly held in. She looks in the mirror and grins. She likes what she sees.
"Why thank you, Smackdown's due to start any minute so I'll just run along and see you out there" she says, disappearing from the room before I can question her words
I know she's planning something during my match. I just hope it doesn't involve me losing which it could easily do. I know she's got something planned. There's that glint in her eye. I shake my head and begin to change for my match. Dia's already gone since Jamie's taking on that sweet Brian Kendrick soon. She knows her man will come out on top. It's inevitable. Kendrick is cute and all, he can wrestle too but John so very mad at him so I don't want to be seen talking to him. Last week, Brian made the mistake of imitating him and saying all this stuff about him. I saw John earlier, he was steaming mad still
"I tell ya Dawn, that dude is crude, he can't even rhyme right" he said as we stood in the hallway
"John, he's no threat, you're number one in the hip hop stakes here on Smackdown" I told him
"I know that but he don't and I'm gonna have to kick his ass again so that it gets through to him"
John's taking on Rhyno tonight. All I can say is ouch. Rhyno is brutal. I wasn't really that close to him in ECW though he was champion and an excellent aggressive talent. Maybe I should get to know him more considering he is part of the network, admittedly not a strong always-there link but a part of it. However I am a little concerned that he may just Gore me, no questions answered. He's more than a bit uncontrollable.
I start to change. I've decided to stick with the same look as last week. It brought me some luck so it's obviously a good thing. Looking like the real Tori is a great push; she kicked ass. I pull on a pair of skin-tight turquoise leather pants and a matching backless strap belly top. As I put on my elbow pads, I can see in the mirror that I look hot. I hope I see Sean while I look like this, he won't be able to resist. I haven't seen him all day actually, it's kind of annoying considering the great sex we had last night. I guess I'll see him later or something.
I do a quick set of stretches and then head out towards the curtain. On the way, I'm stopped by the FBI. They're all dressed in jeans with white singlet tops, surprisingly similar and all very dark and handsome. They smile as they greet me, obviously checking me out as they do.
"What's a pretty lady like you doing out in a hallway like this?" Nunzio asks
"Off to fight Torrie Wilson in the ring" I reply "I can't let her think she can beat me"
"She's not half as hot as you are Dawn" Nunzio retorts "you're the hottest thing walking back here and we want you to know that the family have your back"
Palumbo and Stamboli, all crossed arms and serious expressions, nod at this remark. Trying not to laugh at the over the top seriousness of the situation, I nod gravely back
"I'm honoured, I really am guys" I answer "it means a lot that you'd do that for me"
"To show our appreciation, we'd like you to accompany us for some dinner this evening after we've..." Nunzio stops to smile slyly back at his cohorts "taken care of business"
"Sure, um...come find me after you're done" I say "I have to go, good luck with whatever you do"
"You too Dawn, take care of your pretty self" Nunzio calls after me
I love those guys. They take care of me, taking me out when Sean's busy. They behave like I should consider it an honour so I do. They've been making waves, taking out all who stand in their way. They've got quite the hit list.
I reach the curtain and watch as, just as I thought, Sable makes her way down the ramp, waving to the crowd in her laced up black. I smile as she takes her seat at ringside. Then I hear my own music so smiling, I make my way down the ramp. I love this part, the crowd cheers and waves, yelling things that I hope the cameras don't pick up. I grin and slap a few hands, revelling in the much deserved attention before sliding into the ring seductively of course and posing for the crowd
Then the place erupts as their favourite arrives. They whoop and cheer as Torrie smiles her way down. God what is she wearing? It's this Barbie pink thick strapped jumpsuit with a black belt. It looks like she's playing little girl dress up as a supposed Action Girl. I try hard not to laugh and settle instead for a cool eyed smirk. She gets into the ring and continues to pose for her adoring fans. I have to win this match. That way, she'll know that all the cheering in the world can't help her beat me.
We circle each other and then I hit her so hard she hits the mat. The crowd boo but like I care right now. Before I can register, she's up on her feet and slaps me hard across the face. This is war. I dive at her and spear her down. We catfight our way around the mat. Not the most elegant or sophisticated way of taking care of in-ring business but it sure as hell works. We roll around of ages choking, slapping and hair-pulling until we end up on our feet, still holding on to each other. Dizzy, I break out of it and smack her hard in the face before lifting her into a Fireman's Carry, enjoying the fact that I can lift her and drop her if I wish too. Suddenly, I feel Torrie slip and she rolls me down into a sunset flip. I try desperately to pull out of it but I can't and I hear the bell ring and the very surprised fans cheer for their bimbo. Torrie lets me fall to the mat in a crumpled heap as she celebrates.
Then as I raise my head, she slips out of the ring and up the ramp. I scowl, I cannot believe she won. It was barely a match at all; she just got lucky by surprising me. That doesn't count in my book, it's sneaky and underhanded. As I watch her leave in barely veiled contempt, I hear a voice hailing her. It's Sable. She walks into the ring holding a microphone. I get to my feet to stand, out of breath, beside her.
"Congratulations on breaking your losing streak Torrie" Sable says "would you like to try continuing your winning streak in a Bikini Contest at Judgement Day against me?"
Sable is the queen of bikinis and will wipe the floor with that pale imitation. I smile at Torrie, nodding slightly. If I was her, I wouldn't accept knowing Sable's track record for winning skin contests. But Torrie looks incredulous that anyone would dare challenge her and instead of speaking, unzips her jumpsuit and pulls it down to her waist to reveal an equally Barbie pink bra with a triumphant look on her face.
I shake my head. She has no idea what she's getting into. I watch as she walks away, a smirk on her face and slip out of the ring myself after a grin at Sable and make my way to the back. Sable told me a few days ago she was off to dinner with Marc tonight after the taping so she hasn't got time to talk. I can see Torrie up ahead, the jumpsuit back on and zippered up. Good, everyone's seen your body honey, there's no need to see it again in a bras. Kind of a let down after Playboy.
"Miss Dawn Marie?" a timid voice asks
I look beside me and see an assistant looking at me nervously. I smile at her, hands on my hips as I do
"What can I do for you honey?" I ask
"I have a message from Mr Sean O'Haire for you"
"Why thank you"
The assistant hands me a piece of paper and hurriedly scuttles off. I grin as I watch. She'll learn, they all do. I quickly unfold the paper and read it as quickly as I can
'Ruby, wish I could be there but I can't. Piper has some magnificent ideas for next week and Mr America so I have been asked to spend tonight discussing them with him. Good luck in your match. Remember to focus and not let easy mistakes cost you it. See you soon Sean'
I crumple the paper up in my hand. He couldn't come because of Piper? Lance wouldn't do a thing like that, Lance would.. Then I remember. I'm not talking about Lance, I'm talking about Sean. They're entirely different species. It's all starting to make my head buzz so I walk back to my locker room. I have to make the best of what I have. If I can, I'm gonna get myself a place in that Bikini Contest. Not because I think I can beat Sable, but because I know I can beat Torrie. And second place beats no place. With Sable's influence maybe it can be done. Steph's too distracted by Mr America to worry about me at the moment. Its time to take advantage. But first I have to get ready for dinner with the FBI. Appearances are everything. Then I can think about revenge and planning. What I excel at. This is going to be an interesting evening.
(Coz nothing's going right....and everything's a mess)
I hit the mat with a THWACK loud enough for all the crew in the arena up in the rafters fitting the lighting rig to hear. Tazz looks down at me and grins. He doesn't offer me a hand up of course but just grins. He thinks its funny he can throw me around like a rag doll with his endless supply of suplexes well I don't think its funny when Sean discovers more unsightly bruises in new places each week. I know its part of the game but sometimes, I'd rather it wasn't
"Get up Dawn, we ain't done yet" Tazz instructs
"You mean there's more?" I groan, crawling to my feet awkwardly
"Oh yeah, there's plenty more"
So he gets me hitting clotheslines, DDTs and every other move he can think of on him. He doesn't complain once. Then he gets me stringing them together in combinations so that they flow easily. Its tough work but I enjoy it since its not me falling to the mat continually this time. We've been working out for over two hours when he finally calls a halt and throws me a water bottle. I thank him and drink down as much as much as I can.
He watches me as he towels the sweat off his face. I know he's building up to saying something so I maintain the silence and let him choose when he's ready. Then it comes
"You happy with Sean?"
"More than I have been in a long time" I answer, looking him straight in the eyes
He nods, throwing his towel aside so that it catches on the ropes and dangles there patiently. He never takes his eyes off me as he thinks and then speaks
"I thought so, the way you two go at it you'd think you were bout to die or somethin'" he cracks
"Keeps us both satisfied"
"You talk to Lance bout it?"
I shrug, casually though I know pain crosses my face at Lance's name. Tazz can tell I'm feeling guilty about him. We haven't spoken since last week.
"Not much, he knows Sean from WCW; I don't think he approves of the relationship"
"Ain't no surprise since he's the one in love with ya" Tazz replies abruptly
I pause. Lance has never said anything although different people in the network have been trying to convince me of this for years. I've never believed them really
"If he does, then why doesn't he say something?" I say at last
"Beats me, he's scared or something, he's loved ya for a damn long time and we've been telling him ya love him too for years, he just likes ya friendship I guess and don't wanna ruin that"
"Then I guess we're at a dead end" I say, smiling sadly "because I'm with Sean now"
I throw Tazz back the water bottle. His expression is unreadable. Somewhere between angry, annoyed and sympathetic.
"Now if training's over, I'm going to go and get ready for my match"
I leave the ring without another word. Tazz doesn't call to me. He knows he's said enough to make me think for the next few days. He knows I don't want to hear it. He knows I'm happy with Sean. He's seen how happy I am with Sean, I think everyone backstage has. Torrie sure glowers at me when she catches me and Sean in a cinch unexpectedly around a corner. Last time she did, she barrelled through us with an 'excuse me' and carried on walking without a look back. Sean had smiled and said she had some severe issues she needed to sort out. He's right and tonight, I aim to help her out with a few of them.
I went to see Stephanie earlier today. She's having some problems of her own with her dad trying to unmask Mr America and prove it's Hulk Hogan. So when I asked for a match, she didn't even argue and distractedly agreed as she spoke on the phone to someone else. That means I get to take on Torrie with no stipulations. Just one on one and the chance to beat the hell out of each other.
I head to catering and pick out some food. The place is basically empty since the show'll start soon and everyone is frantically getting ready for their match. I like it when it's like this; it means I get more time to think. I spend about half an hour eating before leaving the room and heading down the corridor.
I enter the locker room and find Sable there. It's no surprise really. We go shopping together once a week and love each other's company as well as knowing it annoys Torrie no end that we're friends. It's been real interesting to get to know a legend in the diva ranks such as herself. She has some great stories to tell and I've even got to speak to Marvellous Marc Mero himself on her cell phone. He seems like a very cool guy and didn't mind talking to me while Sable tried something on. They've been married a long time now and still adore each other despite there being several sticky patches along the way when Marc got jealous of her career rising and his going down. They've fought each other inside the ring and Marc even made her wear a potato sack to repress her once. But Sable being Sable just pulled it off to reveal one amazing bikini. There was hardly any of it there at all. Yeah they're a hell of a couple.
She turns at the sounds of my entering and smiles. She's trying to lace up her outfit. It's laced all the way up the front from her neck to her after her belly button before flowing into tight pants laced up the front of the legs from the hips to the knees where it just regresses into nothing. She looks as usual amazing and her age seems to have rapidly decreased. I wish I knew how she did that
"Dawn honey could help lace up my legs?" she asks "if I bend down then I'm sure all my front laces will break"
"Sure"
I bend down and begin lacing quickly. Soon all the lacing's done and she's tightly held in. She looks in the mirror and grins. She likes what she sees.
"Why thank you, Smackdown's due to start any minute so I'll just run along and see you out there" she says, disappearing from the room before I can question her words
I know she's planning something during my match. I just hope it doesn't involve me losing which it could easily do. I know she's got something planned. There's that glint in her eye. I shake my head and begin to change for my match. Dia's already gone since Jamie's taking on that sweet Brian Kendrick soon. She knows her man will come out on top. It's inevitable. Kendrick is cute and all, he can wrestle too but John so very mad at him so I don't want to be seen talking to him. Last week, Brian made the mistake of imitating him and saying all this stuff about him. I saw John earlier, he was steaming mad still
"I tell ya Dawn, that dude is crude, he can't even rhyme right" he said as we stood in the hallway
"John, he's no threat, you're number one in the hip hop stakes here on Smackdown" I told him
"I know that but he don't and I'm gonna have to kick his ass again so that it gets through to him"
John's taking on Rhyno tonight. All I can say is ouch. Rhyno is brutal. I wasn't really that close to him in ECW though he was champion and an excellent aggressive talent. Maybe I should get to know him more considering he is part of the network, admittedly not a strong always-there link but a part of it. However I am a little concerned that he may just Gore me, no questions answered. He's more than a bit uncontrollable.
I start to change. I've decided to stick with the same look as last week. It brought me some luck so it's obviously a good thing. Looking like the real Tori is a great push; she kicked ass. I pull on a pair of skin-tight turquoise leather pants and a matching backless strap belly top. As I put on my elbow pads, I can see in the mirror that I look hot. I hope I see Sean while I look like this, he won't be able to resist. I haven't seen him all day actually, it's kind of annoying considering the great sex we had last night. I guess I'll see him later or something.
I do a quick set of stretches and then head out towards the curtain. On the way, I'm stopped by the FBI. They're all dressed in jeans with white singlet tops, surprisingly similar and all very dark and handsome. They smile as they greet me, obviously checking me out as they do.
"What's a pretty lady like you doing out in a hallway like this?" Nunzio asks
"Off to fight Torrie Wilson in the ring" I reply "I can't let her think she can beat me"
"She's not half as hot as you are Dawn" Nunzio retorts "you're the hottest thing walking back here and we want you to know that the family have your back"
Palumbo and Stamboli, all crossed arms and serious expressions, nod at this remark. Trying not to laugh at the over the top seriousness of the situation, I nod gravely back
"I'm honoured, I really am guys" I answer "it means a lot that you'd do that for me"
"To show our appreciation, we'd like you to accompany us for some dinner this evening after we've..." Nunzio stops to smile slyly back at his cohorts "taken care of business"
"Sure, um...come find me after you're done" I say "I have to go, good luck with whatever you do"
"You too Dawn, take care of your pretty self" Nunzio calls after me
I love those guys. They take care of me, taking me out when Sean's busy. They behave like I should consider it an honour so I do. They've been making waves, taking out all who stand in their way. They've got quite the hit list.
I reach the curtain and watch as, just as I thought, Sable makes her way down the ramp, waving to the crowd in her laced up black. I smile as she takes her seat at ringside. Then I hear my own music so smiling, I make my way down the ramp. I love this part, the crowd cheers and waves, yelling things that I hope the cameras don't pick up. I grin and slap a few hands, revelling in the much deserved attention before sliding into the ring seductively of course and posing for the crowd
Then the place erupts as their favourite arrives. They whoop and cheer as Torrie smiles her way down. God what is she wearing? It's this Barbie pink thick strapped jumpsuit with a black belt. It looks like she's playing little girl dress up as a supposed Action Girl. I try hard not to laugh and settle instead for a cool eyed smirk. She gets into the ring and continues to pose for her adoring fans. I have to win this match. That way, she'll know that all the cheering in the world can't help her beat me.
We circle each other and then I hit her so hard she hits the mat. The crowd boo but like I care right now. Before I can register, she's up on her feet and slaps me hard across the face. This is war. I dive at her and spear her down. We catfight our way around the mat. Not the most elegant or sophisticated way of taking care of in-ring business but it sure as hell works. We roll around of ages choking, slapping and hair-pulling until we end up on our feet, still holding on to each other. Dizzy, I break out of it and smack her hard in the face before lifting her into a Fireman's Carry, enjoying the fact that I can lift her and drop her if I wish too. Suddenly, I feel Torrie slip and she rolls me down into a sunset flip. I try desperately to pull out of it but I can't and I hear the bell ring and the very surprised fans cheer for their bimbo. Torrie lets me fall to the mat in a crumpled heap as she celebrates.
Then as I raise my head, she slips out of the ring and up the ramp. I scowl, I cannot believe she won. It was barely a match at all; she just got lucky by surprising me. That doesn't count in my book, it's sneaky and underhanded. As I watch her leave in barely veiled contempt, I hear a voice hailing her. It's Sable. She walks into the ring holding a microphone. I get to my feet to stand, out of breath, beside her.
"Congratulations on breaking your losing streak Torrie" Sable says "would you like to try continuing your winning streak in a Bikini Contest at Judgement Day against me?"
Sable is the queen of bikinis and will wipe the floor with that pale imitation. I smile at Torrie, nodding slightly. If I was her, I wouldn't accept knowing Sable's track record for winning skin contests. But Torrie looks incredulous that anyone would dare challenge her and instead of speaking, unzips her jumpsuit and pulls it down to her waist to reveal an equally Barbie pink bra with a triumphant look on her face.
I shake my head. She has no idea what she's getting into. I watch as she walks away, a smirk on her face and slip out of the ring myself after a grin at Sable and make my way to the back. Sable told me a few days ago she was off to dinner with Marc tonight after the taping so she hasn't got time to talk. I can see Torrie up ahead, the jumpsuit back on and zippered up. Good, everyone's seen your body honey, there's no need to see it again in a bras. Kind of a let down after Playboy.
"Miss Dawn Marie?" a timid voice asks
I look beside me and see an assistant looking at me nervously. I smile at her, hands on my hips as I do
"What can I do for you honey?" I ask
"I have a message from Mr Sean O'Haire for you"
"Why thank you"
The assistant hands me a piece of paper and hurriedly scuttles off. I grin as I watch. She'll learn, they all do. I quickly unfold the paper and read it as quickly as I can
'Ruby, wish I could be there but I can't. Piper has some magnificent ideas for next week and Mr America so I have been asked to spend tonight discussing them with him. Good luck in your match. Remember to focus and not let easy mistakes cost you it. See you soon Sean'
I crumple the paper up in my hand. He couldn't come because of Piper? Lance wouldn't do a thing like that, Lance would.. Then I remember. I'm not talking about Lance, I'm talking about Sean. They're entirely different species. It's all starting to make my head buzz so I walk back to my locker room. I have to make the best of what I have. If I can, I'm gonna get myself a place in that Bikini Contest. Not because I think I can beat Sable, but because I know I can beat Torrie. And second place beats no place. With Sable's influence maybe it can be done. Steph's too distracted by Mr America to worry about me at the moment. Its time to take advantage. But first I have to get ready for dinner with the FBI. Appearances are everything. Then I can think about revenge and planning. What I excel at. This is going to be an interesting evening.
